Switchback
3.4 mi · ▲ 284 ft · 1 hr 17 min
Switchback is a 3.4-mile out-and-back in Royal Gorge near Soda Springs, CA. It climbs 284 ft and is mostly dirt. It scores 35/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Switchback
3.4 mi · ▲ 284 ft · 1 hr 17 min
Elevation 6,864–7,032 ft
Out & Back · Royal Gorge
Trailhead: Rowton Peak Trail · 39.29456, -120.38100
Weather Sep 4: Rain, high 48°F / low 39° · precip 58% · wind 6 mph · sunrise 6:34 AM · sunset 7:29 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Switchback, heading NE.
- 1.3 miTurn right, heading N.
- 0.4 miReach the turnaround, then head back the way you came.
- 1.7 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.9 mi in (~25 min). Leave by 6:45 PM for the 7:29 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:08 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
Other ways to reach this destination
More from Rowton Peak Trail Trailhead
- Benches Viewpoint–Overload Loop, 3 sights 1.8 mi · ▲ 342 ft
- Serene Lakes–Reindeer, 3 sights 2.3 mi · ▲ 204 ft
- Rowton–Aster Loop, 5 sights 3.7 mi · ▲ 759 ft
- Lyle's Lookout–Serene Lakes, 3 sights 4 mi · ▲ 405 ft
- Pine Marten via Switchback 4.8 mi · ▲ 388 ft
- Benches Viewpoint–Bogus Basin Loop, 7 sights 5.3 mi · ▲ 697 ft
Get outside more
A wild hike near Soda Springs, emailed to you once a week.
Hikes near Soda Springs, California